Geneva.BC'est What, Toronto ON June 15

Though still as rare as a four-leaf clover, the combined genres of soul and R&B did get a few moments to shine at this year's NXNE, such as via upstart Geneve.B. The confident yet decidedly chill singer laid down resolute tales of conflicted love and desire over an efficient backdrop of deceptively simple, funk-licked synth tones and solid live drum breaks, cutting between tracks to engage the crowd with her relaxed charm and candid proclamations. Swaying back and forth to the smooth vibe set out by her stripped-down backing band, Geneva.B floated along with her breezy vocals as the sound shifted mid-stream to include a series of darker, dirtier moods that added some welcomed diversity to the mix. A cover of deceased diva Whitney Houston's "My Love Is Your Love" was a definite highlight, and the singer would even take a turn as an MC before winding things down with a dank, synth-directed anti-love tune. As compacted showcases go, those on hand were treated to a cool and concentrated glimpse of a talented vocalist and songwriter, and a soulful example of something the festival could definitely use more of in the future.